Who Owns Federal Ammo?
Federal Premium Ammunition is a well-known and respected brand in the firearms industry, producing a wide range of ammunition products for hunting, self-defense, and recreational shooting. But who owns Federal ammo? Let’s dive into the history and current ownership structure of this iconic brand.
History of Federal Ammo
Federal Cartridge Corporation, the company behind Federal Premium Ammunition, was founded in 1922 in Anoka, Minnesota, USA. The company’s early years were marked by innovation and experimentation, as its founders developed new technologies and products to meet the growing demand for ammunition. In the 1930s, Federal Cartridge introduced its first commercial rifle cartridge, the.308 Winchester, which quickly gained popularity among hunters and target shooters.
Early Years of Ownership
For much of its early history, Federal Cartridge was a family-owned business, with the company remaining under the control of its founders or their descendants. In 1964, the company was sold to the Hercules Powder Company, a major chemical and explosives manufacturer. Hercules continued to operate Federal Cartridge as a separate entity, allowing the company to maintain its independence and focus on innovation.
Acquisitions and Mergers
In 1984, Hercules Powder Company was acquired by the DuPont Company, a multinational chemical corporation. DuPont continued to operate Federal Cartridge as a subsidiary, investing in new technologies and products. In 1997, DuPont sold Federal Cartridge to the Olin Corporation, a major chemical and manufacturing company. Olin continued to operate Federal Cartridge as a subsidiary, expanding its product line and global reach.
Current Ownership
In 2013, Olin Corporation sold Federal Premium Ammunition to the Vista Outdoor Inc., a leading manufacturer of outdoor recreation products. Vista Outdoor is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol VSTO.
Vista Outdoor’s Portfolio
Vista Outdoor is a diversified outdoor recreation company with a portfolio of well-known brands, including:
• Federal Premium Ammunition
• CCI (Centerfire) Ammunition
• Speer Bullets
• Savage Arms
• Stevens Firearms
• Bushnell Outdoor Products
• Simmons Outdoor & Recreation
Federal Premium Ammunition Today
Today, Federal Premium Ammunition is a leading manufacturer of premium ammunition, offering a wide range of products for hunting, self-defense, and recreational shooting. The company’s product line includes:
• Rifle cartridges (centerfire and rimfire)
• Pistol cartridges (centerfire and rimfire)
• Shotgun shells (skeet, trap, and hunting)
• Specialty cartridges (e.g.,.22 LR,.223 Rem,.308 Win)
Key Points
Here are some key points to summarize the ownership history of Federal Premium Ammunition:
• Federal Cartridge Corporation was founded in 1922 and remained a family-owned business until its sale to Hercules Powder Company in 1964.
• Hercules Powder Company was acquired by DuPont Company in 1984, and Federal Cartridge continued to operate as a subsidiary.
• DuPont sold Federal Cartridge to Olin Corporation in 1997, which continued to operate the company as a subsidiary.
• Olin Corporation sold Federal Premium Ammunition to Vista Outdoor Inc. in 2013, which is a publicly traded company listed on the NYSE.
Table: Ownership History of Federal Premium Ammunition
Year | Owner |
---|---|
1922-1964 | Federal Cartridge Corporation (family-owned) |
1964-1984 | Hercules Powder Company |
1984-1997 | DuPont Company |
1997-2013 | Olin Corporation |
2013-present | Vista Outdoor Inc. |
Conclusion
Federal Premium Ammunition has a rich history of innovation and excellence, and its ownership structure has played a significant role in shaping the company’s success. From its humble beginnings as a family-owned business to its current status as a leading manufacturer of premium ammunition, Federal Premium Ammunition has remained committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.